Kenya is intensifying preparations for the anticipated 2026 El Niño rains, with the national government, county governments, meteorological authorities, health agencies and humanitarian organisations putting measures in place to reduce the possible effects of flooding, landslides, disease outbreaks, displacement and damage to infrastructure. As of September 10, 2026, the country is in the critical preparation period before the expected peak of the October–December rainfall season.

The Kenya Meteorological Department has forecast enhanced rainfall across much of the country during the October-November-December (OND) 2026 short-rains season. The government has therefore shifted its focus from simply warning the public to putting early-response mechanisms in place. 

Government activates national El Niño preparedness plan

One of the most important measures taken by the government was the establishment of an Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on El Niño Preparedness and Response, chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. The committee was tasked with coordinating the national response and operationalising a National El Niño Contingency Plan.

The plan covers several areas, including flood mitigation, evacuation and shelter arrangements, drainage clearance, reinforcement of vulnerable roads and bridges, pre-positioning of emergency equipment and medical supplies, farmer advisories, and funding for relief, recovery and rehabilitation. 

The importance of this approach is that the government is attempting to prepare before severe weather occurs rather than waiting until communities are already flooded.

Deputy President Kindiki previously urged Kenyans not to panic, saying government ministries, departments and agencies had been mobilised to ensure the country was not caught by surprise. He also identified infrastructure, food security, public safety, supply chains and public health as areas that could be affected by heavy rainfall. 

 *Weather forecasts guiding government preparations* 

The Kenya Meteorological Department has warned that the country could experience enhanced rainfall during the October–December season. The latest national outlook indicates that above-average rainfall is expected over a large part of Kenya, although rainfall will not be uniform across every county. 

The forecast identifies many counties, including Bomet, Kericho, Nakuru, Nairobi, Kiambu, Kisumu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Narok, Nyamira, Kisii, Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu, Tana River and others, as areas expected to receive above-average rainfall. 

The authorities are also cautioning Kenyans against interpreting El Niño as meaning that every part of the country will receive continuous heavy rain. Meteorological officials have explained that El Niño interacts with other climate systems and that rainfall patterns can vary from one location to another. 

This means county governments and communities are expected to rely on local weather warnings and updates, rather than assuming that the national forecast will affect every area in exactly the same way.

Drainage and flood-control measures

One of the government's major concerns is flooding in urban and low-lying areas. Blocked drainage channels can quickly turn heavy rainfall into flash floods, particularly in densely populated settlements.

The national contingency plan therefore includes the clearance of drainage systems. County governments have also begun their own preparations.

In Nairobi, Governor Johnson Sakaja convened a multi-agency El Niño preparedness team involving organisations and agencies including the Kenya Red Cross, KURA, KeNHA, the National Disaster Management Authority and Nairobi County disaster management officials.

The Nairobi preparedness structure has five areas of focus: infrastructure and drainage; emergency response and evacuation; shelter and relief; security and traffic; and communication. Nairobi has also been undertaking drainage and flood-mitigation works valued at about Sh2.4 billion, according to reports. 

Kiambu County has similarly been working with water companies to clear drainage systems and reduce the risk of flooding. 

These efforts are important because flooding does not only threaten homes. It can disrupt roads, businesses, schools, hospitals, electricity supply, water systems and transportation.

Roads and bridges receive attention

Heavy rainfall can damage roads and bridges, especially where drainage is poor or infrastructure is already weakened.

The national contingency plan therefore includes reinforcement of vulnerable roads and bridges. The government is also expected to coordinate with agencies responsible for roads and transport to identify areas where flooding could cut off communities.

This is particularly important in rural areas where one damaged bridge or road can isolate villages and prevent residents from accessing hospitals, markets and other essential services.

The government is also expected to monitor major transport corridors because flooding, landslides and collapsed sections of roads could disrupt movement of people and goods.

Evacuation and emergency shelters

Another important component of preparedness is ensuring that people living in high-risk areas can be evacuated quickly when necessary.

The government's contingency plan includes evacuation and shelter arrangements for vulnerable communities. 

This is especially important for people living near rivers, areas prone to landslides, informal settlements, low-lying locations and other flood-prone zones.

Kenya experienced serious flooding during the March–May 2026 rains, highlighting the need for stronger preparedness. The Kenya Red Cross says its teams have already been involved in flood response across numerous counties and have experience with evacuation, shelter, relief distribution and early-warning communication. 

The Red Cross Secretary General, Dr Ahmed Idris, has called for precautionary measures, stressing that communities should be protected against flooding, displacement, landslides, building collapses and disease outbreaks. 

Health sector preparing for disease outbreaks

Heavy rainfall can create major public-health challenges. Floodwater can contaminate drinking-water sources, damage sanitation systems and create conditions for water-borne diseases.

The Ministry of Health has therefore intensified preparations for possible outbreaks associated with the anticipated rains. Particular attention is being given to diseases such as cholera, typhoid and dysentery, among other water- and food-borne illnesses. 

The Ministry has activated a multi-sectoral health contingency approach involving national and county governments, emergency agencies, humanitarian organisations and development partners.

The World Health Organization also reported on September 8 that Kenya is preparing its health system for possible El Niño-related flooding and associated health risk.

Health preparedness is important because flooding can lead to overcrowded temporary shelters, unsafe water, poor sanitation and increased exposure to disease.

Hospitals and health facilities in vulnerable areas therefore need to remain operational and have sufficient medicines, medical supplies and emergency personnel available.

Early-warning communication

The government is also strengthening how weather warnings reach ordinary Kenyans.

A National Crisis Communication Standing Committee has been established to improve coordination and public communication ahead of the anticipated El Niño conditions. The committee is focusing on early-warning systems and ensuring that information is not only released but translated into practical action by communities. 

This is significant because receiving a weather warning is useful only if people understand what they are being warned about and know what action to take.

The government is therefore seeking stronger communication between meteorological agencies, national government officials, county governments, mobile networks, media organisations and communities.

The emphasis is on timely, accurate and actionable information. 

 *Agriculture and food security* 

Agriculture is another major area of government concern.

El Niño rains can bring both opportunities and risks. Adequate rainfall can improve crop production, replenish water resources and support pasture regeneration. However, excessive rainfall can destroy crops, wash away soil, damage farms and cause post-harvest losses.

The government has therefore called for farmers to receive timely weather information to guide decisions on planting, crop management and harvesting. Pastoralists also need information about pasture and water availability. 

The National Disaster Management Authority has also highlighted concerns that El Niño-related flooding could increase crop and post-harvest losses and worsen food-security challenges.

Farmers are therefore encouraged to follow agricultural and meteorological advisories instead of relying solely on traditional expectations about the timing of rainfall.

County governments play a critical role

Although the national government is coordinating the overall response, county governments will be on the frontline because they understand local flood-prone areas and vulnerable communities.

Several counties have already activated preparedness structures.

Nakuru, for example, established an Ad Hoc Committee on El Niño Preparedness and Response and brought together government agencies and humanitarian organisations to prepare for possible flooding and other weather-related disasters. 

Mombasa has also stepped up preparedness, with the county disaster-management structures focusing on the risks associated with enhanced rainfall along the coast. 

This coordination between the national and county governments is crucial because a national warning must eventually translate into action at village, ward and household level.

Humanitarian agencies and Kenya Red Cross

The Kenya Red Cross remains an important partner in Kenya's disaster-response system.

The organisation says it has already mobilised response teams and strengthened early-warning efforts following the 2026 floods. It has also been working with county governments and other response agencies.

The experience gained during previous floods is expected to help emergency teams respond faster during the coming rainfall season. 

The Red Cross has also emphasised that the goal should be to prevent loss of life rather than simply respond after disasters occur.

 *What Kenyans should expect* 

The government is not telling Kenyans to panic. Instead, the message is that the country should prepare early and remain alert.

Residents in flood-prone areas should monitor official weather updates, avoid crossing flooded rivers, keep important documents in safe waterproof places, identify evacuation routes and avoid constructing or remaining in unsafe structures.

Motorists should also exercise caution because heavy rainfall can reduce visibility and cause sudden flooding on roads.

Communities should cooperate with local administrators and emergency responders if evacuation orders are issued.